There are so many tools out there and such a variety of learner needs!
There are tools that can help you with the process of determining the need for assistive technology tools:
www.donjohnston.com is a company dedicated to developing technologies and strategies to support students who struggle with reading and writing. They have collaborated with many educators, researchers and learners to develop their tools and strategies. They have adopted and further developed the following tools to identify the need for technology supports for reading and writing:
PAR: Protocol for Accommodations in Reading
The PAR manual helps you determine the most suitable reading accommodations for specific students by assessing their individual needs. Anyone on the IEP team can administer PAR to systematize how reading accommodations are recommended on a student level or across the school district.
Writing Productivity Profile: In this age of accountability and assessment, your district needs a process to evaluate writing issues for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, many districts don’t have a systematic way to do this. In “Developing a Written Productivity Profile,” Dr. Denise DeCoste outlines a 4-step process to assess student handwriting and then determine the appropriate assistive technology solutions. This book is perfect for assistive technology specialists, occupational therapists, special educators and diagnosticians.
Other resources for evaluating the need for assistive technology: OPTIONAL: For those of you interested in direct links about Assistive Technology Evaluation and Implementation:
There are tools that can help you with the process of determining the need for assistive technology tools:
www.donjohnston.com is a company dedicated to developing technologies and strategies to support students who struggle with reading and writing. They have collaborated with many educators, researchers and learners to develop their tools and strategies. They have adopted and further developed the following tools to identify the need for technology supports for reading and writing:
PAR: Protocol for Accommodations in Reading
The PAR manual helps you determine the most suitable reading accommodations for specific students by assessing their individual needs. Anyone on the IEP team can administer PAR to systematize how reading accommodations are recommended on a student level or across the school district.
Download PAR here:
Cost: FREE
http://donjohnston.com/par/#.VBo9ymRdUQ8
(Note there is now an online version available for a subscription fee.)
Writing Productivity Profile:
In this age of accountability and assessment, your district needs a process to evaluate writing issues for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, many districts don’t have a systematic way to do this. In “Developing a Written Productivity Profile,” Dr. Denise DeCoste outlines a 4-step process to assess student handwriting and then determine the appropriate assistive technology solutions. This book is perfect for assistive technology specialists, occupational therapists, special educators and diagnosticians.
http://donjohnston.com/assistive-technology-assessment-developing-a-written-productivity-profile/#.VBo_HGRdUQ8
Cost: $25 to download
OPTIONAL Alternate Assignment:
1. Download PAR
http://donjohnston.com/par/#.VBo9ymRdUQ8
2. Read the Manual, watch the video, explore resources on the website
3. Select a student
4. Administer the PAR to selected student (30 mins)
(Use free or built-in text-to-speech tools)
5. Complete PAR evaluation form (use digital form or scan)
6. Complete PAR reflection discussion post with peers
PAR in Action from DonJohnstonInc on Vimeo.
Other resources for evaluating the need for assistive technology:
OPTIONAL:
For those of you interested in direct links about Assistive Technology Evaluation and Implementation:
Great information about Accommodations for High Stakes Testing:
http://donjohnston.com/testing-accommodations/#.VXhCz9pViko